Dear Colleagues,
Consider adding more active learning into your classroom by using some of the “transparent methods” described below.
This information is taken from the website: https://www.unlv.edu/provost/transparency from the University of Nevada Las Vegas and was developed by:
Mary-Ann Winkelmes, Ph.D., Coordinator of Instructional Development and Research, Office of Faculty, Policy, and Research as part of the Transparency in Learning and Teaching Project.
Transparent Methods
Transparent teaching methods help students understand how and why they are learning course content in particular ways.
This list of options is adapted frequently as faculty participants identify further ways to provide explicit information to students about learning and teaching practices.
These methods include:
- Discuss assignments’ learning goals and design rationale before students begin each assignment
- Invite students to participate in class planning, agenda construction
- Gauge students’ understanding during class via peer work on questions that require students to apply concepts you’ve taught
- Explicitly connect “how people learn” data with course activities when students struggle at difficult transition points
- Engage students in applying the grading criteria that you’ll use on their work
- Debrief graded tests and assignments in class
- Offer running commentary on class discussions, to indicate what modes of thought or disciplinary methods are in use
Interested? Comments? Questions?
Let us know how we can assist you.
Jim O’Connor
Director